Partnership with Manor ISD provides valuable employee pipeline

As part of our educational partnership with Manor Independent School District, we routinely host school tours, provide mentors for programs and offer guidance on career pathways for students. Before school let out for the summer, Samsung Austin Semiconductor hosted an information session for Manor Early College High School students. Manor Early College HS provides students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time. The school offers two types of associates degrees: general studies and science. Students are also able to graduate with Level 1 certification from Austin Community College in automation/robotics, computer science or phlebotomy/medical. During the information session, more than two dozen students learned about the company and how their associates degree can be applied to a career at our fab. Many of the students were surprised to learn that Samsung Austin Semiconductor has been producing chips before they were even born! “I want our students to be able to see what is out there, what opportunities they have,” explained Alime Sadikova, principal of Manor Early College HS. “They have the skills and knowledge; I definitely want them to consider working for Samsung Austin Semiconductor.” As a school that leans heavily into STEM learning, Sadikova believes it is imperative that students are engaged at an early age. “Getting kids when they are seniors is sometimes too late because our students start thinking in the 9th grade ‘where do I want to work, where do I want to end up,’” Sadikova said. All the work being done at the school is paying off. For two years in a row, the school has had the highest number of students graduate with associate degrees in Central Texas. When graduating students walk the stage to receive their associates degree with Austin Community College, Sadikova says she is always amazed by everyone’s diverse backgrounds. “It’s really amazing,” added Sadikova. Success story During the past several years, numerous students have made the short trek down East Parmer Lane to work at Samsung Austin Semiconductor. Kevin Abarca, a 2021 alumnus of Manor Early College HS, recently graduated from our Fab Apprentice Program after going through our High School Graduate Internship Program. Abarca became interested in the HSGI program after an information session at the school.

_{Spring 2023 Fab Apprentice graduates. From left to right: Antonio Alvarez, Nicholas Haight and Kevin Abarca.} “The program has been good for me because it gave me the opportunity to go to school and have a job with flexibility,” Abarca said. “I encourage others to look at the program because it offers various career path choices and there are many people who want to help you succeed.” Being able to provide these opportunities for her students, is why Sadikova encourages her students to learn more about Samsung Austin Semiconductor. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity because Samsung Austin Semiconductor is always so welcoming and they always follow up,” added Sadikova. “The company gives us 1-on-1 attention for our school.” Click here to learn more about our Student programs.